What exactly defines a perfect song of the summer? Is it an upbeat pop hit? A track with a chorus that gets stuck in your head for days? Does it need to mention “summer,” “sunshine,” or even something like “California” in the title to qualify? And really, how do you even follow in the footsteps of the late, great Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who practically mastered the art?
Ultimately, it may all come down to personal taste — or rather, what hits your ears just right. But for The Associated Press, the song of the summer is the one that takes over the season from June to August — the soundtrack of road trips, pool parties, and backyard cookouts. And that can mean something different to every kind of music fan.
So, with that in mind, here are AP’s picks for 2025’s song of the summer, broken down by category and paired with past favorites for context.
Once you find your favorite, check out our full playlist on Spotify.
